Important Questions To Ask Before Hiring An Excavation Contractor
Posted on: 29 September 2022
Do you have a building site in need of excavation? Excavation is often a common practice during construction processes. It allows a site to be prepped and wiped clean before the building work begins. If you are considering hiring a site excavation contractor, there are some questions you should ask before making a final hiring decision.
Are They Properly Licensed and Insured?
The first and most important question to ask is about licensing and insurance. Any professional and qualified site excavation contractor will carry all the proper licensing and insurance requirements. Keep in mind that construction work often poses many risks. There is the risk of injury, damages to persons and equipment, and various other common risks.
Common hazards associated with excavation include:
- The collapse of nearby structures or excavation walls/sides
- Damage to underground utilities (posing the risk of flooding, explosions, gas leaks, etc.)
- Fall injuries
- Vehicles falling into the excavation site
- Falling materials (can injure people or damage equipment)
Proper license and insurance can protect you and the contractor in the event of any injuries, damages, or other incidents associated with the risks of excavation.
Which Party Is Responsible for Permits?
Permits are a must when performing excavation and construction work. Make sure there are no delays by asking who the responsible party is when it comes to obtaining proper permits. Many contractors can obtain proper permits, but in some situations, it may be up to you to obtain them. It is important to know exactly who should obtain permits and inspections prior to the start of any work.
Do They Have a Portfolio to Highlight Their Experience?
You want to make sure you are working with an experienced contractor. Any excavation contractor with plenty of experience will have a way to prove that experience to you. Do not be afraid to ask for a portfolio of past work or even a list of references that you can contact. A qualified contractor will be more than happy to provide you with one or both.
Who Is Responsible for Site Cleaning?
Any kind of excavation and construction work will often leave a mess behind. Leftover materials, trash, and debris must be cleaned up once the work is done. Make sure you ask the contractor who is responsible for post-work cleaning. The last thing you need is to have any confusion caused by miscommunication that can lead to fines or negative feelings.
Asking questions before you hire an excavation contractor can save you from headache-inducing stress and other issues.
Contact a local excavation contractor to learn more.
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